History
Established in Glasgow in 1911, BMJ Architects is one of the United Kingdom’s longest-standing architectural practices. In 2025, our London Studio marked its 25th anniversary, celebrating a significant milestone in the practice’s continued growth, collaboration and national presence.
With more than a century of experience, BMJ Architects has developed a strong reputation for delivering complex, technically demanding and socially valuable projects across our key sectors in Science & Technology, Healthcare and Higher Education.
1911-1920 The company was founded as George A. Boswell Architects in Glasgow in 1911 by George Arthur Boswell, specialising in specialist cinema and theatre architecture.
1921-1930 Throughout the 1920s and 30s, the practice worked primarily in industrial and commercial architecture in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
1931-1940 Notable projects at this time included two extensions to Glasgow's world renowned Templeton's Carpet Factory.
1941-1950 Ninian Johnston & Peter Mitchell joined as partners in the 1940s and the practice became known as George A. Boswell & Partners.
1951-1960 Following George Boswell's death in 1952, the practice became known as Boswell, Mitchell & Johnston.
1961-1970 In 1963, the practice developed one of Glasgow's largest new housing developments in Pollokshaws, which included the tallest prefabricated building in Europe.
1971-1980 Throughout the 1970's the practice continued to expand it's portfolio in housing, education and commercial architecture. In 1973 Glasgow's iconic Woodlands housing development was completed. The company also undertook major healthcare projects. Dumfries & Galloway Royal Infirmary was completed in 1975, the first of many large healthcare projects for the practice.
1981-1990 During the 1980's, the practice further established it's credentials in healthcare and education projects, completing a 3rd major distinct general hospital - St Johns, Livingston and new projects for Strathallan School, Hutchesons Grammar and The Glasgow Academy. The practice also undertook a major commision for a new bridge across the Clyde for The Glasgow Garden Festival. Bells Bridge, as it's become known, was built by Sir William Arrol and Company and was completed in 1989.
1991-2000 The 1990's were a period of growth, with major sciences projects for the Universities of Glasgow, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Dundee. In education, the practice completed new buildings for RSAMD, Ayr College and Balfron High School. BMJ's London office opened in 2000.
2001-2010 The Glasgow and London offices continued to thrive during the first decade of the new millenium, working for many clients incuding 12 of the Russel Group of Universities and several large NHS Healthcare Trusts in Scotland and England. In 2011, the practice celebrated it's centenary at the Festival Hall in London and with a civic reception given by Glasgow City Council at the City Chambers.
2012-2021 The Practice continues to build on its heritage of design excellence with exciting and innovative projects such as ICE (Imaging Centre of Excellence) in Glasgow and the Royal National Ear Nose and Throat and Eastman Dental Hospitals in London.
2022-Current In recent years, the Practice has been flourishing and continues to have trusted professionals, making complexity simple for our clients.
Our technical knowledge has honed and evolved through the practice for generations.
See how we apply our architectural expertise and specialist knowledge to complex sectors.
